Low-key vibes for my last full week in San Diego. I'm honestly not quite sure where my two suitcases are (under the bed?), but I'm sure I'll find them by the time I fly back to Berlin. And excited to report that the album release is marching forward, too. I highly recommend opening Snapchat right now to go follow me (alexashowtime) before you forget, because I'll be doing loads of behind-the-scenes stuff while filming new music videos in a couple weeks!

So, seeing as it's the start of the year and the start of spring semester, I thought it best to brain-dump a whole bunch of tips for getting internships today. This advice will also totally apply to some of you who are looking to switch up careers, but if not: forward this email to the college student in your life, please. So, may I please present...

If at first you don't get hired, negotiate. I had a full-time internship for just shy of four weeks once. Learned a ton. Sometimes it won't work to be there all summer (or all semester) long, but starting a new career path is not an all-or-nothing situation.

If you're determined to get experience from this specific company, see if you can come in for two days a week, or shadow the CEO for a day. It's all a learning opportunity, and it shows you're willing to compromise.

(2) Come to think of it, not every internship has to be in-person.

Another awesome idea? Virtual (or "remote") internships. There are a ton--because, well, the internet is everywhere. I've had interns who live in the States, while I'm living in Berlin! And a special tip for native English speakers who want to get into marketing, content, or PR: companies in Europe and across the globe are *dying* to get help from someone like you.

Find a few cool companies in Berlin or Buenos Aires, introduce yourself via email, and offer to help. It may even turn into a paid position!

(3) Trying to intern someplace popular? Hit up social media.

I've gotten in touch with *major* players at big companies I admire on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (alexashowtime). This is definitely a long-shot, but there are a couple things you can do to get it right.

First, make sure your profile is up to professional quality (that doesn't mean boring, just means nothing sketchy). Nice profile picture. Write something about yourself in the short "About Me" part on Twitter or Instagram. Something like "Economics Student at University of MIchigan" or "Obsessed with making content for the internet."

Second, ask for exactly what you want. This is very, very important. Don't just ask if these people/companies are looking for interns. Instead, get specific. If it's a high-level person, ask if you can shadow them around the office for a day to learn about [specific thing you're curious about]. If it's a company you love, ask if they are looking for [unpaid/paid] interns in the [name of department] team during [the time frame you want to intern]. Name a few of your specific skills, and ask how you can apply!

(4) Have to work for $$? Work around your day job, then.

This is sort of a similar idea to point number one, about interning part-time. If you need to work in retail or babysit or keep your current day job, you still have so many options! You could get a remote internship, you could volunteer for an event on a Saturday, you could intern for someone who will let you work nights and weekends.

(5) Create your own dang internship.

This could happen one of two ways.

First, you could start your own project and just run with it for a few months to get experience. That might mean taking an online class in interior design, or organizing a fundraiser for your favorite politician, or running and marketing your own Etsy shop or babysitting business or whatever. Anything that will show future employers that you're self-motivated and have already learned something about their industry.

Second, you do not have to limit yourself to internships or positions that are just listed on company websites. If you are convinced you'd be a great fit for a company, go after it! Find the right person to to talk to on LinkedIn, and reach out to them on Twitter. Send in an email to their inbox. Track down your uncle's college roommate who works for [Some Rad Company], and see what you can work out. Think up things on your own that you could offer to do for that team or person, and suggest it.

Be fearless, clever, and interested in whatever you pursue.

Hope that sparked a few ideas in your head. Hit reply and let me know what you think!